What Not To Do Before A Facial: Ensure Radiant Skin

What should you avoid before a facial? A facial is a great way to achieve radiant skin, but maximizing its benefits means knowing what pre-facial skincare steps to skip. This article will guide you through common facial prep mistakes, bad habits before facial, and other things to avoid before facial appointment to help you get the most out of your treatment.

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Priming Your Canvas: How to Ready Your Skin for a Facial

Preparing your skin for a facial involves more than just washing your face. It’s about creating a blank slate for the esthetician to work with, ensuring the treatment’s effectiveness and minimizing potential irritation.

Discontinuing Certain Skincare Ingredients

Certain ingredients can make your skin more sensitive or reactive. Avoiding them a few days or weeks before your appointment is crucial. This falls under important skincare no-nos before facial.

• Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin, Adapalene): These powerful anti-aging ingredients increase cell turnover, which can make your skin more sensitive to exfoliation during a facial. Stop using them 5-7 days prior.
• Exfoliating Acids (AHAs/BHAs): Glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and other acids exfoliate the skin. Combining them with the exfoliation in your facial could lead to over-exfoliation and irritation. Discontinue 3-5 days before.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: This acne-fighting ingredient can be drying and irritating. Stop using it 2-3 days before your facial.
• Strong Vitamin C Serums: High concentrations of Vitamin C can sometimes cause irritation, especially when combined with other active ingredients. Consider taking a break 2-3 days before.

Example Table: Skincare Ingredients To Avoid Before a Facial

Ingredient	Why Avoid?	Timeframe to Discontinue
Retinoids	Increases sensitivity to exfoliation	5-7 days
AHAs/BHAs	Can lead to over-exfoliation	3-5 days
Benzoyl Peroxide	Drying and irritating	2-3 days
Strong Vitamin C	Potential for irritation with other actives	2-3 days

Resisting the Urge to Exfoliate

While exfoliation is beneficial, doing it too close to your facial appointment is a pre-facial skincare mistake. Your esthetician will likely perform exfoliation during the treatment, and double-exfoliating can irritate your skin.

• Skip Scrubs: Avoid using physical exfoliants like scrubs or cleansing brushes a few days beforehand.
• Hold Off on Chemical Peels: These should be done weeks before or after your facial, not in close proximity.

Sun Exposure: A Major Facial Contraindication

Sunburns and tans can severely compromise your skin’s health, making it more susceptible to damage during a facial. Sun exposure is a significant facial contraindication.

• Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds are never a good idea, but especially not before a facial.
• Wear Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher in the days leading up to your appointment.
• Reschedule If Sunburned: If you have a sunburn, reschedule your facial.

Waxing or Threading Immediately Beforehand

These hair removal methods can irritate the skin, making it too sensitive for a facial.

• Schedule Separately: Waxing or threading should be done at least 2-3 days before your facial, or preferably after.

Avoid New Products

Introducing new products into your skincare routine right before a facial can increase the risk of an allergic reaction or irritation.

• Stick to Your Regular Routine: Use only products you know your skin tolerates well.

Lifestyle Factors: Tweaking Your Routine for Optimal Results

Beyond skincare products, certain lifestyle factors can influence how your skin responds to a facial.

Limiting Alcohol and Caffeine Intake

Both alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your skin, making it appear dull and less receptive to treatment.

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment.
• Reduce Intake: Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption a day or two before.

Avoiding Heavy Makeup

Heavy makeup can clog pores and make it harder for the esthetician to properly cleanse your skin.

• Go Light: Wear minimal makeup on the day of your appointment.
• Come Clean: If possible, arrive with a clean face.

No Picking or Squeezing!

This is a HUGE skincare no-no before facial! Picking at blemishes can cause inflammation, scarring, and infection. Your esthetician can safely extract blemishes during the facial.

• Leave It To The Professionals: Resist the urge to extract blemishes yourself.

Medical Considerations: Communicating with Your Esthetician

It’s essential to be open and honest with your esthetician about your medical history and any medications you’re taking. Certain conditions or medications can affect the type of facial that’s suitable for you. These represent key facial contraindications.

Medications That Increase Sensitivity

Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to treatments.

• Accutane: If you’re currently taking Accutane (isotretinoin) or have taken it recently, facials are generally not recommended due to the increased risk of scarring and irritation. Wait at least 6 months after stopping Accutane before getting a facial.
• Topical Steroids: Long-term use of topical steroids can thin the skin and make it more prone to irritation. Inform your esthetician if you’re using them.
• Photosensitizing Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and antidepressants, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which can be problematic if your facial involves light therapy.

Pre-existing Skin Conditions

Certain skin conditions can make some facial treatments unsuitable.

• Eczema or Psoriasis Flare-Ups: If you’re experiencing a flare-up, it’s best to postpone your facial until your skin calms down.
• Open Wounds or Sores: Facials should not be performed on skin with open wounds or sores.
• Active Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores): Avoid facials during an outbreak to prevent spreading the virus.
• Rosacea: While facials can be beneficial for rosacea, it’s essential to choose a gentle treatment and avoid harsh ingredients.

Example Table: Medical Conditions and Facials

Condition	Facial Considerations
Accutane (Isotretinoin)	Generally not recommended; wait 6+ months after stopping.
Eczema/Psoriasis Flare-Up	Postpone until skin calms down.
Open Wounds/Sores	Avoid facials until healed.
Active Herpes Simplex	Avoid facials during an outbreak.
Rosacea	Choose gentle treatments; avoid harsh ingredients.

Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities

Inform your esthetician about any known allergies or sensitivities to skincare ingredients.

• Patch Test: If you’re concerned about a potential reaction, ask for a patch test before the facial.
• Communicate Clearly: Be upfront about your allergies and sensitivities.

Maximizing Your Facial: What to do After the Appointment

While this article focuses on what to skip before a facial, it’s worth briefly touching on aftercare. The steps you take after your facial are just as important for maintaining your results.

• Follow Your Esthetician’s Instructions: They will provide specific instructions based on the type of facial you received.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help your skin recover.
• Avoid Harsh Products: Stick to gentle, non-irritating skincare products for the first few days.
• Protect Your Skin: Wear sunscreen daily.
• Avoid Makeup (If Possible): Give your skin a chance to breathe.
• Resist Picking: As tempting as it may be, avoid picking at any blemishes that may surface.

Putting It All Together: Facial Preparation Tips for Radiant Skin

Following these facial preparation tips will help you get the most out of your treatment and achieve radiant, healthy-looking skin. Remember, it’s all about preparing your skin for a successful and enjoyable experience. Knowing what to skip before a facial is just as important as knowing what to do!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best way to prepare for a facial?
  The best way to prepare for a facial is to avoid using harsh exfoliants or retinoids for a few days beforehand, protect your skin from the sun, and inform your esthetician about any medical conditions or medications you’re taking. Arrive with a clean face, or wear minimal makeup.
  

• Can I wear makeup to a facial appointment?
  It’s best to wear as little makeup as possible to your facial appointment. Your esthetician will cleanse your skin thoroughly, but arriving with a clean face can save time and ensure a more effective treatment.
  

• Who is not a good candidate for a facial?
  Individuals who are currently taking Accutane, have active herpes simplex outbreaks, open wounds or sores on their face, or are experiencing severe eczema or psoriasis flare-ups should generally avoid facials. Always consult with your esthetician and doctor.

• What should I tell my esthetician before a facial?
  You should tell your esthetician about any medical conditions you have, medications you are taking (both oral and topical), allergies or sensitivities to skincare ingredients, and any recent skincare treatments you have undergone (such as chemical peels or laser treatments).

• Can I exercise before a facial?
  While it’s generally okay to exercise before a facial, avoid intense workouts that cause excessive sweating right before your appointment. Sweating can dehydrate your skin and potentially lead to irritation.

• What skincare products are skincare no-nos before facial?
  Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin), exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs), and benzoyl peroxide are skincare no-nos before facial and should be avoided several days prior to your appointment.

• What are some facial contraindications?
  Facial contraindications include Accutane use, active herpes simplex outbreaks, open wounds or sores, severe eczema or psoriasis flare-ups, sunburn, and recent chemical peels or laser treatments.